Chesapeake College Foundation 2021-2022 Annual Report

Dear Friends,

After a two-year hiatus, we are pleased to share with you an annual report for 2021-2022 for the Chesapeake College Foundation. Like many of you—here at both the Foundation and the College— we’ve been working to navigate a changed, post-2020 world.

This past year was an exciting and productive year. At the Foundation, $1,357,783 in gifts and committed pledges were received and $485,599 in total scholarship funding was awarded to students. Much of the Foundation’s focus has been raising the funds to help modernize Chesapeake College’s workforce programming and labs (more details on that later in this report!).

While COVID-19 made the last couple of years challenging for Chesapeake College’s students, staff, and faculty, the College has remained stable in its finances. We welcomed the College’s employees back full-time to campus, and we were happy to offer more in-person classes in 2021-2022 than the previous year.

Thankfully, the one thing that hasn’t changed is our donors’ support for the Foundation and its mission. The contribution you made in 2022 was integral in supporting Chesapeake College and its students at a time when it was needed most.

We hope you enjoy this annual report that was thoughtfully prepared with you—our stakeholders—in mind. The Foundation knows that 2022-2023 may be another year that requires flexibility, innovation, and agility, but we also know that no matter what the world throws our way, together we can make a difference in the lives of students across our five-county region.

With gratitude,

Charting a New Course

2021-2022 Welcomed New Crew to the Foundation

The Chesapeake College Foundation was no stranger to “the great resignation” last year, when its previous Executive Director left in the summer of 2021. Fortunately, Michelle Hall, a long-time Chesapeake College employee with previous experience working with the Foundation, stepped in as the interim executive director. During her appointment, Michelle collaborated closely with Chesapeake’s Skilled Trades staff and local industry advisors to identify the expansion of the College’s Marine Trades and Welding programs and development of a new Advanced Manufacturing Technology program. This research and collaboration provided the framework for prospective donors to support the growth needed by the region’s employers. Michelle also worked with Development Coordinator Latellya Stewart to update some of the Foundation’s oldest scholarships agreements, assuring the donor’s scholarship criteria matches the current needs of students.

In April 2022, Chesapeake College announced Dorchester County native Amber McGinnis as the permanent director of development and executive director of the Foundation. Amber is a marketing and communications professional who has worked in various roles at the College since 2008. Michelle has stayed on as Chesapeake College’s director of events management and also took on the role of director of constituent engagement, where she continues to work with many of the Foundation’s donors. Together, Amber, Michelle, and Latellya serve as liaisons between the College and the Foundation and assure that the day-to-day operations of the Foundation run smoothly. They also work closely with the Foundation’s Board of Directors. With more than 69 years of combined experience in higher education, marketing, sales, and advancement, we look forward to having this new team at the helm and years of smooth sailing for the Chesapeake College Foundation.

Left to right: Amber McGinnis, Latellya Stewart, Michelle Hall

Passion Bolden Tilghman

Dr. Clifford Coppersmith President for 2021-2022 President

College Foundation Board of Directors Chesapeake College

Strategic Highlights

Over the last year, the Foundation was primarily focused on 1) continuing to provide students with the financial support necessary to stay the course and chart their own educational journeys and 2) raising new funds to bring the College’s workforce and skilled trades programs into the 21st century.

Despite streams of new funding available to some students during the pandemic, our scholarships fulfilled a vital financial gap. Katelyn Gunderson, who received her Emergency Medical Services Certificate in 2022, emphasized that she couldn’t have completed her education without the generous help of the Chesapeake College Foundation. She received support from the Bob & Ruth Carmean Endowed Scholarship Fund.

My scholarship made being in a rigorous Chesapeake trade program, while also working full-time, easier to manage from a financial stand point. College isn’t just for people fresh out of high school—it’s also for the working professional who wants to further themselves or even change their path in life. The scholarships from the Chesapeake College Foundation helped make those goals attainable for me. Katelyn Gunderson

Partners in Giving

In 2021-2022, the Foundation continued to work with long-time partner the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board (USWIB) to award annual scholarships to students in non-credit education at Chesapeake College. Learners in programs like Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), HVAC, Clinical Medical Assistant, and Dental Assistant are not eligible for federal student aid. Financially assisting these students in obtaining their certifications puts them directly to work in our local communities.

The Foundation also assisted local high school students in Caroline and Dorchester Counties in obtaining an affordable start to their higher education. Thanks to funding from the MidShore Community Foundation—through their Roberta B. Holt Dual Enrollment Scholarship and George B. Todd Fund Dual Enrollment Scholarship—a total of $71,583 in dual enrollment grants were awarded to 128 students in 2021-2022. Dual enrollment enables high school students to receive college credits while completing their secondary education, saving them time and money.

Chesapeake College’s CDL simulator allows students to experience road conditions and environments they may not encounter during their on-the-road driving instruction. Learners enjoy the video-game-like feel of the simulator, while navigating virtual obstacles like deer, pedestrians, fog, and sudden traffic.

Modernizing Workforce Training

Another key strategic highlight this year was raising funds to modernize workforce programming learning labs, as well as create a new Skilled Trades program at Chesapeake College. In the future, these funds will assist in: building a mobile welding trailer to bring welding certifications and training out to the community; expanding the Marine Trades program to offer a Marine Service Technician certification; creating a new Advanced Manufacturing Technology program; and establishing a new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Two generous donations we'd like to highlight in 20212022—a $150,000 gift from a local foundation and an anonymous $500,000 gift from a Kent County family—were given towards these initiatives.

Our father had a bedrock belief in American enterprise, and he encouraged values of freedom and responsibility in all his children and grandchildren. We created this fund to honor both our parents. In line with what we believe they would have approved, we wanted to find a way for young people to learn skills that will provide excellent job opportunities to start on a lifetime of personal and financial success. We also wanted to find a way to support sustainable economic growth for the Eastern Shore. We hope these students will become the tradespeople, small business owners, and entrepreneurs that will provide the future economic foundation for the Eastern Shore communities where they live.

donors

a $500,000

towards workforce training

Financial

The Chesapeake College Foundation had a strong financial year with $1,357,783 in received gifts and committed pledges as of June 30, 2022—an 86% increase over 2020-2021—and $485,599 in scholarships awarded to Chesapeake College students.

In fiscal year 2021, the Foundation’s total net assets rose to more than $8,400,000. However, due to the circumstances of an emerging global bear market in early 2022, we saw our investments decline, resulting in final net assets of over $7,800,000 as of June 30, 2022. We will continue to keep a hawk’s eye on our investments in fiscal year 2023. The Chesapeake College Foundation is no stranger to riding the highs and lows of the markets—we’ve been a charitable organization for 45 years.

Statement of Activities

Donor

REVENUES

With

Total

Contributions $234,729 $1,123,054 $1,357,783 $279,062

($53,980) ($961,869) ($1,015,849)$91,332 $1,700,498

Because

Net

Total

$832,699 ($832,699) $777,617($777,617)

$1,013,448 ($671,514) $341,934

Chesapeake College

FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Passion Bolden Tilghman, President

Robert Sheehan, Vice-President

Deborah Walsworth, Treasurer (until Dec. 2021)

Evan Miles, Secretary

Dr. Blenda Armistead

Katie Blaha

Dr. Clifford Coppersmith

John J. DeLuca, Sr.

John (Ned) Foster, IV Linda Friday

Christopher Garvey

John Haas

Brandon Hesson

Reza Jafari

Samuel Shoge

Lesley I.B. Schless

Tom Timberman

Phillip Webster

EMERITUS

Bruce Armistead

Dewey Blades

Dr. Stuart Bounds

Words of Gratitude and Giving

Buck Duncan

President, Mid-Shore Community Foundation Annual Supporter of the Chesapeake College Foundation

Megan Price

Associate of Science Degree in Registered Nursing

Received: Rev. W. L. English Health Professions Scholarship

Future Plans: Receive her registered nursing degree and go on to obtain a doctorate in nursing practice

Receiving scholarships has helped me avoid student loans and made it so my family hasn’t needed to help me out as much with my educational costs. Without these scholarships, I would be super stressed and wouldn’t have the ability to focus on nursing school and my future career.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Technical & Professional Studies

Received: Chesapeake College General Endowed Scholarship

Future Plans: Pursue a bachelor’s degree, preferably with University of Maryland Global Campus in the IT field

I was beyond excited and blessed to have been a recipient of the Chesapeake College General Scholarship! As a working mom I often find myself prioritizing my family’s needs above my own. Receiving this award allowed me to focus on purchasing the required materials for each course I was enrolled in, ensuring my success without ‘mom guilt.’

The Mid-Shore Community Foundation connects private resources with public needs to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot counties. We are happy to provide the Chesapeake College Foundation with financial resources to support Chesapeake College students. From supporting high school learners who are taking college classes to get ahead, to providing funds that will further programs or meet other needs at the College, our relationship is one that truly benefits the community.

Melanie Daniels, MSN, RNC-OB

Donor to the Chesapeake College Annual Internal Giving (A.I.G.) Fund

My nursing students, like many of the students at Chesapeake College, are not only taking classes but are often employed full-time to support themselves or their families. Scholarships can help give some relief—it can be huge for them. I personally chose to give because students are why we’re all here, and I enjoy donating to programs that support student success.

Jessica Esparza

Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences

Received: Barnes and Noble Book Scholarship

Future Plans: Transfer to Washington College to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Hispanic Studies, then teach English-as-a-second-language inside the local school system

I believe that education is limitless, and I am grateful for the scholarship that has helped me succeed at Chesapeake. Returning to school for my degree has made me an excellent role model for my three boys.

Alexa Blazejak, RN ‘22

Associate of Science Degree in Registered Nursing

Received: Mary H. Blades Memorial Nursing Scholarship & Seraph Foundation Endowed Nursing Scholarship

Currently: Medical Surgery Nurse at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton

Helping others has always been a passion of mine, and the Chesapeake College nursing program was always my dream. Reaching this goal was made possible by the nursing scholarships I received along the way. There are no words to express my gratitude!

Jessica Kilby

Chesapeake College Nursing Faculty Member & Healthcare Simulation Coordinator

Thank you for your GENEROUS GIFTS

Our Donors: July 1, 2021–June 30, 2022

Leanne Allen

Allen AME Church

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Amazon Smile Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel F. Amoroso

Amy’s Army, Fund of Chesapeake Charities

Margaret Anawalt

Della M. Andrew

Dr. and Mr. Bruce Armistead

Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital at Easton

Mary Beth Bailey

Mr. and Mrs. Keith Barbalace Nicole Barth

James H. Barton, III

Rick Barton

Tara Newman-Bell Brandon Bellamy

Mark Berry

Dewey Blades Connie Blades Katie Blaha

Brenda Blake

Ty Bolden

Dr. Stuart M. Bounds

Jacqueline K. Bowen

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Bowser Dana A. Bowser Robin Boyd

LaSina Branch

Mynichia Braxton

Kelly Brimmer Kathleen Browning Sandra Butler

Robert Carmean

Dottie Carroll

Carolyn H. Causey Susan Cianchetta

Megan Clark & Kristin Krzys Wayne Cole

H. Preston Coleman Kamari Collins Miriam C. Collins Community Foundation Sharon Conaway Maureen Conlon Deborah Conte RD Cooper

Dr. and Mrs. Clifford Coppersmith Derick Daly

Osvaldina G. Daly Melanie B. Daniels Danielle Darling David A. Bramble Foundation, Inc. Charles Davis

Brenda Dawson Delco Packaging Products, Inc. David DeLuca Guido DeLuca John J. DeLuca, Sr. Greg L. Dempsey Angela DenHerder Lisa Devaric Meredith DiMola CraSandra Dorsey Sharon Dove

Mr. and Mrs. Reginald F. Dulin William W. Duncan, Jr. Jennifer L. Dunker E.E. Streets Memorial Post 5118 Linda F. Earls Loretta Early Sharon Egerson

Tom Eleuterio

Boswana Elias

Phyllis Ennals

Estate of Rufus M. Todd B Ewing Maxwell Fairweather

Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement

Nicole Fisher William Flamer Joyce Flamer

Shannon Fleishman

Kristy A. Floyd Angela M. Forgrave John Foster Christle Foster Sherri L. Foster Janet F. Fountain

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Frampton

Greshen Gaines Jeanine Gallagher Joanne B. Gannon Christopher Garvey Wendell Gary Gloria Gibson

Claudia Gibson William N. Gilbert, Jr.

Benedita M. Gomes Ann K. Goodman

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Grace Richard C. Granville Kim L. Green Dr. Kelly Griffith John C. Haas

Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus Hackett Elizabeth Hackett

Michelle Hall

Courtney Handte Gwendolyn Handy

David Harper

Terri Harris

Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Harrison Jr.

Mark G. Harrison Wyatt Haversack Carolyn Hayman

Larry A. Hearn Kamal Hennayake

Brandon Hesson

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Heywood Yolanda Holloway

Brenda Horrocks

Adam J. Houck Anna Howie

LaKesha Hoxter

Wilkins Hubbard

Reverend Alice Hutchins

Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Ireland

Dr. and Mr. Reza Jafari Emma Johnson Michele Johnson

Phyllis Johnston

Bridgett Jones Karen Jones

Rebecca Kane Shelly W. Kapitan Dan Kearns

Bonita Kelley

Sonseeahray Kelly Jessica Kilby Niki Klein

Kollman & Saucier, P.A.

Joan Kraft Heather Kraus

Shirley Lake Carolyn Lane

Marcella L. Leach

Susan Leroy

Sherone Lewis Shay Lewis-Sisco Sandra Lindenberger

Joseph Kelleher and Theresa M. Lippy

Prof. Jonathan P. Longest Dives Lopes Becky Loukides

Harriette A. Lowery Karen M. Luceti James J. Lupis, Jr. Justin Malecki Bruce A. Manger Maryland Law Enforcement Officers, Inc.

Angelique Mason Kate Maxwell Jacquelin C. McArdle Daniel P. McDermott Susan McGeehan

Amber T. McGinnis

Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Inc.

Allan F. Mielke

Robert D. Mielke

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Miller Barbara Miller

David Milligan

Marcie A. Molloy

Voncia Molock

Jason S. Mullen

Dr. Julia Nash Murphy

JoAnn Murray David B. Nagel

Milton Nagel

Neall Family Charitable Foundation

Rodshekia Newton Jackie Nichols Georgeann Nilles Elizabeth North North Georgia Community Foundation

Alice Nowicki

Deidre Taylor-Oross Oxford Library

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pappas Debbie Parsons Mikie Phillips Vernetter Pinder Elizabeth Pinkett Nancy Pippin Donna R. Pletzer Eugene Prevost Eleanor Q. Price Price & Gannon

Prospect Lodge No. 95, Prince Hall Masons

Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Queenstown Lions Club

Margaret G. Quimby S. Denise Quinn Ellen S. Rajacich

Billy E. Reese Deanna R. Reinard Ann Reinecke

Sindy Leiva de Reyes

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rheinhardt

Lori Riley

Dr. Carol L. Wilson-Robbins

Margaret C. Robinson Linda Oliff Rohleder Catherine M. Rust Theresa Ryans

Makayla Scharf

Lesley Schless

Christine Schuette

Sheila Scott

Joan M. Seitzer

Claudia Sharp

Kristin Shearon

Robert J. Sheehan, Jr.

Charlene De Shields

Samuel Shoge

Shore United Bank

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Shorter Melvin Shorter Sandra Shorter Shelia Rena Shorter

Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins

Karen S. Smith

Terri Snow

Sonia Lorelly Solano St. Matthews UM Church Good Sam

Latellya K. J. Stewart

Daniel W. Swann

Courtney A. Sykes Dennis B. Tafoya

Vernon A Taylor Jessica Taylor

The Ironman Foundation, Inc.

The Nathan Foundation

The Peoples Bank

William R. Thomas

Jacqueline Thomas

Naomi D. Thomas Robert C. Thompson Passion Tilghman

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Timberman

David C. Timms

Marylu Towey

Truist Financial Corporation

Rebecca N. Turner

Denise A. Taylor-Turner

Lillian Turner Deborah A. Urry

Kristen L. Venesky

Rieves Verdery Verizon

James M. Vermilye

VFW Post #5246 (Federalsburg)

Visiting Angels of the Eastern Shore

Nikki VonDenBosch

Kimberly Walker

LuAnn Walker

Ruth Ann Walls Deborah H. Walsworth

Zachary Watson

Brian Wayman

Michele Wayman Dawn Wayman

Leia Wefelmeyer

Betty Wells Eleanor Welsh Heather V. Westerfield

Robin G. Seal-Whitlock

Christina Willett

Willow Construction, LLC

Dennis Wilson

Elaine G. Wilson

Vickie Wilson

Winslow Womack Emily Wood Brenda Wooden

Dr. Willie G. Woods

Steve YaSenka

Sarah Yesilonis

Dr. Herb L. Ziegler

Cindy A. Zuella

We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible in compiling our list of donors. If your name, business, or organization has been listed incorrectly, please contact Amber McGinnis at amcginnis@chesapeake.edu and accept our sincerest apologies.